Whether it’s the stunning natural spectacle of passing pods of whales, beautiful walks out to impressive seal colonies, or the deservedly famous eateries that have left many a traveller salivating - those who discover this corner of New Zealand for themselves are treated to a veritable cornucopia of riches. And if stunning landscapes, exciting things to do, and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters sound appealing, then you’ll want an Airbnb vacation rental experience to match. These are some of the best Airbnbs in Kaikoura.
1. Stunning home for six at Kowhai Eco Lodge in Mt. Lyford (from USD 115)
Winter vacationers are highly recommended to visit this part of New Zealand, as Lyford is a great nature adventure landscape filled with several activities and attractions that you can enjoy with friends and family. Best for families and friends of six which can be hosted in three bedrooms with two king bedrooms and an extra sofabed. Kowhai Eco lodge is located in the center of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, great for those who would rather skip the long commutes to crowded attractions. Amenities include an indoor fireplace, hot water, bathroom access, and essentials, wifi, TV, kitchen access, and utilities, a BBQ grill for gatherings, and a garden patio to pace down after a long day of rowing or skiing.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is no cell service but free wifi and the hot tub is amazinggreat to have wifi when we didn’t think there would be wifinice and stylish house with great view and amazing facilitieswe really enjoyed our stay wonderful views comfortable beds nicely appointedvery modern comfortable eco style accommodationCleanliness:
clean and cosy placethe house is clean comfortable and very spaciousenjoyable stay clean comfy and spacioushouse was wonderful and cleanclean and cozy place with great mountain viewHost:
lovely and friendly host:)claudine is lovely and a fantastic host even got the fire ready for me(hidden by airbnb) maps struggled to find it but fortunately the host has a helpful map on arrivalclaudine is pleasant and helpful and very availableclaudine was very helpful responsive and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location peaceful and warmbeautiful location up in the mountainslyford is a beautiful placelovely location and we had a lovely timehad a great time away at claudine's place
2. One-bedroom flat with stunning balcony views of the mountains (from USD 77)
Still don’t know where to stay in Kaikoura? So far, this list has focussed more on private rooms and suites, but if you crave your privacy then this self-contained flat may be the option for you. Superbly rated by former guests - 90% of whom gave it a five-star rating - this one-bedroom flat would be perfect for a romantic couples retreat or for small families of up to three people. Located in its own self-contained flat at the host’s home, it is also just a couple of kilometers away (1.2 mi) from a range of local amenities and attractions - be they the town centre or the seal colony and very popular peninsula walkway. As well as great views of the distant mountains the property has its own kitchen, TV and (sometimes intermittent) wi-fi.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
roomy apartment with stunning viewsuch a comfortable flat with amazing views of the mountainsgreat views comfortable bed lovely lounge suitethe bed was extra comfortable the views are great the weather was beautifulthis is a really fabulous apartment and the photos really don’t do it justiceCleanliness:
dearna's place was clean comfortable and a great place to stayclean modern and lots of spacevery large and clean washing roomdearna's apartment is spacious and comfortabledearna is the perfect host and her apartment is spotlessly clean well-equipped and very cozyHost:
our hosts were very helpful welcoming interesting conversationalistslots of great recommendations from the hostour hosts were very pleasant friendly but unobtrusivesuch lovely hosts their place is spacious and very accessiblelots of spaces very well set out and lovely hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great space close to an amazing walk around the peninsulagreat location quiet and peacefuleasy walk to the beachexcellent spot close to local restaurants and sightsa bit of a walk from the town centre but perfectly located for the kaikoura peninsula walk
3. Kaikoura Peninsula Holiday House (from USD 102)
An ideal holiday home for families or groups wishing to explore this beautiful peninsula and its stunning coast, this Airbnb vacation rental can sleep up to six people between its three double-bedrooms. Its light and airy interior boasts a spacious and fully equipped kitchen - as well as a good size dining table from which to enjoy the fantastic views of the mountains while tucking into a hearty meal. It comes complete with a host of other amenities - including a TV and DVD player, air conditioning, wi-fi and ethernet connection, and even a study should you plan on any work during your stay. What’s more it boasts front and rear decks - perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen layout and amenities were fantastic with condiments that tim generously allowed us to usethe property was very comfortable and tidy with all the amenities you could wantthere was a heater in each individual room which kept us all comfortableexcellent kitchen facilities and kitchenware and plenty of condiments if you plan to cook at homeit is such a warm comfortable tranquil property yet really spaciousCleanliness:
clean warm and comfortablesparkling clean and very comfortable bedsclean tidy and well equipped modern housethe house was very cleana stylishly decorated and spotlessly clean spaceHost:
great hosttim was a great hostand the host very lovelyvalue for money and great hostsgreat place with a really helpful host will definitely come backRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and spacious apartmentthe location is great near conveniences i needa cozy place great locationfantastic house in a beautiful locationthis is a large house in an amazing location
4. Quality bed and breakfast with superb ocean views
On the hunt for one of the best Airbnbs in Kaikoura? An excellent option for a romantic getaway with your significant other, this private bed and breakfast affords stunning ocean views from its balcony which will leave you itching to take to the waters for a little whale spotting. What’s more it is one of four en-suite rooms available at this charming property - opening up the possibility of accommodating slightly larger groups, by arrangement and availability permitting. Guests enjoy air conditioning, TV and wi-fi access within their rooms, and can also make use of laundry facilities too. Although there are no kitchen facilities the property is just a 10-minute walk into town, where you’ll find plenty of restaurant options.
Kaikoura, Canterbury, New ZealandSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view was amazing and the breakfast delicioushighly recommended stunning views out of the roomsthe view of the room is amazingthe views are spectacular from the room and from gorgeous gardensaw three dolphins from the balcony and enjoyed cheerful breakfast with the other guestsCleanliness:
everything was very clean and the bed very comfythe room was exceptionally clean and the beds were comfortablethe beds were comfortable and the place clean and well keptthe room was very well appointed and extremely clean and prettyit was clean and comfy and breakfast was excellentHost:
julie was a wonderful hostjulie is a lovely hostthe staff were friendly and attentivejulie is a super hostjulie is the most welcoming and accommodating hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in a lovely townthis is a lovely b&b in a great locationgreat location easy walk to the main strip of kaikoura beautiful grounds with an awesome viewperfectly scenic close to restaurants and a beautiful beach to relax withperfect location with a great view very quiet and very close to town centre
5. Two private bedrooms within walking distance of beauty spots (from USD 104)
Located within walking distance of the peninsula’s natural beauty it’s little wonder that this bed and breakfast has a fantastic reputation among its former guests - scoring top marks in everything from location, to cleanliness and earning warm plaudits from visitors for its “stunning setting” and welcoming hosts. This Kaikoura accommodation itself features two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for small families. Its position also places it within easy reach of local vistas, popular walks and the nearby seal colony. And, although there’s no kitchen, it is close to a famous seafood barbecue and other eateries. Amenities include wi-fi access and a TV.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
ruth's air bnb is very comfortable wiith everything you need and in fact morewide range of breakfast this is free wifi tv & huge roomthe bathroom was packed with everything we needed including moisturizer and hand sanitizerwifi was available and there were many special personal touchesvery comfortable room near kaikoura with views of the mountainsCleanliness:
awesome accomodation sparkling clean and spaciousvery comfortable bed with a small clean bathroomit was spotless and ruth is a terrific hostbathroom is sparkling cleanruth's place is spotlessly clean with everything you needHost:
ruth was a wonderful host throughout our stayruth was a great hostlovely hosts and a lovely roomgreat hosts super friendly and helpfulruth is very good host and give us good advice for the dining place tooRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of her place was great near town and good walking pathsgood location in the peninsula of kaikouravery nice bed & breakfast close to town and very close to a superb viewing point of the arealocation location - we really wanted to walk the peninsula track and ruth's place was perfectgreat location to do the kaikoura peninsula walkway
6. One-bedroom guest suite close to eateries (from USD 68)
Another property with a strong reputation, this guest suite is perfectly placed for exploring everything from Kaikoura’s coastline and local eateries, which sit just 200 meters (650ft) away. It is also a three kilometre (two mile) walk to the seal colony - so wildlife fans take note. The property itself, which has its own private entrance, features a double and single bed - making it a popular choice among couples and small families. It also enjoys access to a smart TV with Netflix. Breakfast is also included in the price, and guests have access to the kitchen too. Guests were full of praise, giving it top marks across the board.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very spacious room with lovely view on gardencomfortable space and wonderful amenitiesthey put the electric fan on in advance so we wouldn’t be coldmarilyn also had breakfast lined up on a tray in the fridge ready to go for yougreat location amenities and excellent breakfast suppliedCleanliness:
very clean great breakfastlovely warm and very clean unitclean and spacious unit with a comfy beda lovely and serene lodging that is clean and well-stockedclean and spacious apartment with everything one might needHost:
kind host and tidy roomhosts were wonderful and friendlyvery friendly host too :)marilyn was a lovely host in quiet kaikouraawesome place with the best host everRead more reviewsLocation:
cute wee place close to downtown kaikouragreat location while in kaikouragreat location and hospitalityeverything was perfect great locationgreat stay at marilyn’s the room was spacious and location was close to town
7. Two-person studio motel room with view and playground access (from USD 71)
This chalet/motel studio is another good option for couples eyeing up a break in the beautiful surrounds of Kaikoura and the stunning wildlife spectacles for which this peninsula is famous. It enjoys views of the distant mountains and is set amid spacious lawns on which to relax and take in the air. The property itself comes with air conditioning, (paid for) laundry access, cable TV and wi-fi - the latter of which will come in handy for planning your daily itinerary. And there’s free on-site parking, should you be using a car to get about. A nearby supermarket and eateries are also within easy reach.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the free wifi was good toowe were very lucky with hot weather and the air conditioning cooled the room quicklygood wifi and water pressure/temperature in roomnice view outside the room recommended for couple to relaxthe bed comes with the heater too :)Cleanliness:
towels and linens very cleangood value + clean and comfortablevery clean and well equipped propertyclean bathroom with basic toiletries providedclean place with cooking facilitiesHost:
really helpful staff and perfect roomthe hosts are very welcomingreally friendly and helpful staffthe manager greeted us and was very helpfulthe office staff are very helpful and checkin easyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for whale watchingmicheal's place was an ideal location just a few minutes drive awaycomfortable motel facility close to main town centrenice stay easy to locate and close to everything of interest in kaikourabeautiful place to stay at near to kean point
8. Two-bedroom family motel apartment with view of mountains (from USD 89)
With beautiful garden views of the mountains, this two-bedroom motel apartment is a real contender for couples or small families who crave a tranquil setting. This place to stay in Kaikoura can sleep between three and four people within its two bedrooms and comes with a number of home comforts - including air conditioning, cable TV and wi-fi connection. Guests also have access to laundry and kitchen facilities, and the site is just five minutes from the town centre by car and a half-hour walk on foot.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great to have iron hairdryer tea & coffee making facilities providedif the wifi speed can be faster it will be perfectgreat spot and units were comfortableunit was clean and comfortable with a sunny rear deck and was well equippedwe had plenty of space in the apartment bed was comfy and cleanCleanliness:
clean and well equippedspacious and very clean roomit was very clean and comfortablespacious dated but clean unitit is really clean and nice accommodation strongly recommendedHost:
very pleasant hoststhe host was really kind and we did some clothes washing herestaffs was very friendly and helpful with tons of recommendationsthe owner was very enthusiastic about giving us a lot of advice to play in kaikulathe front desk lady was very sweet and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
it's great location very close to supermarketgreat location and great valuelocation is slightly out of town (25-30 min walk / 5 min drive) but easy to findexcellent place to stay and great locationthe location is good and the house is very spacious
9. Lovely one bedroom oasis hideaway for three near the famous peninsular walk (from USD 68)
Those making their way to Kaikoura can head on over to Marilyn’s homestay, perfect for those who wish to stay near downtown but not too close to the bustling urban noise. The property is close to the hip new cafe, restaurants, and shops. It’s ten minutes away from main attractions like the peninsular walk and seal colony. Couples can comfortably sleep on a queen-sized bed and a single bed for those traveling with last-minute company. The house also has basic amenities like heating, wifi, TV, and hot water, as well as a smart TV with Netflix for binge-watchers staying in. Make the most out of your trip to Kaikoura and experience teh place from a local’s point of view.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very spacious room with lovely view on gardencomfortable space and wonderful amenitiesthey put the electric fan on in advance so we wouldn’t be coldmarilyn also had breakfast lined up on a tray in the fridge ready to go for yougreat location amenities and excellent breakfast suppliedCleanliness:
very clean great breakfastlovely warm and very clean unitclean and spacious unit with a comfy beda lovely and serene lodging that is clean and well-stockedclean and spacious apartment with everything one might needHost:
kind host and tidy roomhosts were wonderful and friendlyvery friendly host too :)marilyn was a lovely host in quiet kaikouraawesome place with the best host everRead more reviewsLocation:
cute wee place close to downtown kaikouragreat location while in kaikouragreat location and hospitalityeverything was perfect great locationgreat stay at marilyn’s the room was spacious and location was close to town
10. Barnacle Bill's cosy cottage with ocean view (from USD 149)
Perfect for families of up to four, this spacious two-bedroom cottage - which features a double and bunk-bed - comes complete with a wide array of mod cons. These include wi-fi access, laundry facilities, TV and a well-stocked kitchen. Guests can even borrow DVDs from the office - perfect for entertaining the family at the end of a rewarding day taking in the peninsula’s many stunning sights. Indeed, past guests described it as a “perfectly maintained base” from which to explore the area - a fact not harmed by the free on-site parking, should you be using your own transport to get about.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable and well positioned cottage with a lovely settingthe apartment was spacious and we had the most amazing oven view from our deckbeautifully set up and comfortable home with all the amenities you’d needwonderful very cozy great viewher place is in immaculate condition with a fully equipped accommodation for a comfortable stayCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and very comfyeverything is clean and tidyvery clean cutlery utensils etceverything was clean and well stockedit is spotlessly clean exceptionally well appointed and comfortableHost:
very helpful hostvery nice owner easy to communicatehost is very friendly and helpfulveronika and vlad were super hostsvery friendly hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for walking everywherevery good location as quiet and near several short walksthe place is located at a great viewpoint very close to the city centergreat location & wonderful facilitieswonderful place and close to local attractions
11. Private bed and breakfast room with a view
Just five minutes from the town centre by car, this private room enjoys spectacular views and is conveniently placed for exploring this beautiful corner of New Zealand. What’s more it’s part of a wider three-bedroom bed and breakfast which can accommodate up to four guests, making it a real option for everyone from solo travelers to families. Amenities include access to a solar-heated swimming pool, a simple kitchenette, TV and wi-fi access. Former guests loved the property, praising the “incredible views”, the “top drawer” quality of the breakfasts and the “welcoming” hosts.
12. Bedroom annex with external access and mountain view
Enjoying spectacular views of the mountains, this large bedroom annex - which can sleep up to three people thanks to an additional sofa bed - has also proven extremely popular with former guests, who were fulsome in their praise for the host’s welcome and knowledge of the area, and raved about the vista. The rental, which has its own access, enabling you to come and go as your please, is an easy walk to the facilities and attractions of the town centre. It also boasts air conditioning, a TV and free on-street parking. There’s also free wi-fi access - perfect for planning whale watching trips.
Kaikoura, New ZealandTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view of the room is brilliant facing to the mountains i enjoyed so muchgreat mountain view from the roomthe room is quite comfortable with its own air unit and access to outsideour room was comfortable with a great viewthe rooms were very comfortable and beautifully decorated with a fabulous view of the mountainsCleanliness:
everything is clean and tidythe room is very clean and cosyvery clean communication easy and the breakfast was lovelythe room is very comfortable but the bathroom is very small but clean and adequatevery good house as beauty as photo clean and newHost:
the host is friendly and attentivethe hospitality is great carmel is a great hostcarmel was a wonderful hostcarmel was a great hostthe facilities were excellent and carmel is an outstanding host withsomany little extrasRead more reviewsLocation:
so close to downtown and beautiful sceneryaccommodations and location where greatthe location is perfect quiet neighborhood and only a few minutes to the city centereasy parking and a lovely locationthe property is in a quite residential area and ideally located for the town centre (10 min walk)
13. Classic bach home
Coming at you with panoramic views is this classic bach home hosted by Emily and Hayden. With three large bedrooms, families or groups of up to seven can make themselves ultra-comfortable here. This Airbnb rental boasts stunning views of the mountain and the ocean and is only a three-minute walk to the Esplanade. With its perfect location in the central township, the best of Kaikoura is within arm’s reach. Some of the amenities at the property are the full kitchen, the smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and parking. If you’re traveling with kids, the spacious yard is a good space for running around!
Kaikoura, Canterbury, New ZealandTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch is massive and comfortable and we want onegreat views from the veranda in this well furnished comfortable housewould book again very comfortableCleanliness:
lovely and clean home in a great spotclean and comfortable base from which to explore kaikoura & surroundsHost:
very responsive hoststhank you so much for being such an awesome hostthank you again for being so kind and responsivecommunication with hosts was very easyRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent value and close to townnice cosy house in a great locationconveniently located close to all this beautiful town has to offernice and close to townseasy 5 minutes walk to main street
14. Coastal Soul
Accommodating up to four people, this cozy beach home hosted by Catherine is one of the homiest places to stay in Kaikoura. There is a large deck where you can lounge under the sun and gulp down some ice-cold drinks with your loved ones. The place is located right in the middle of South Bay and is an estimated five-minute walk to the whale watch marina. Fresh catches are aplenty in the township, so if you chance upon something you’d want to try, make use of the full kitchen and create your own hearty dish!
Kaikoura, Canterbury, New ZealandAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great place that is quite comfortable with a great decklovely apartment with a viewit was a lovely space with a lot of room and a fantastic outdoor terracelovely place clean comfortable beds nice deck and homely decoratedCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and well equippedvery clean and very comfortable bedsit was very cleana lovely comfortable clean place to staya beautiful comfy place very clean and warmHost:
with the friendly neighbour we felt very much at homeRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location in a quite streetideal location and quick easy access to the placegreat location easy access to town centre and surroundingsgreat location great space provideda beautiful house in an amazing location
15. Kaikoura Post-Master's House
This regal home used to be a post-master’s house back in the day. It is an old-style house that has maintained its original features like wood paneling, tall ceilings, and leadlight windows. This rental comes with three spacious bedrooms where six guests can make themselves at home. Here you will be provided with a light breakfast such as bread, milk, tea, and coffee. The home does have a full kitchen, so feel free to whip up your magic dishes. Some other amenities include free Wi-Fi access and a television with Freeview.
Kaikoura, Canterbury, New ZealandAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
big and spacious breakfast and coffee taken care of and a nice wee walk into townwe really appreciated having breakfast provided and it was great to have shampoo etc in the bathroomlots of lovely touches like breakfast board games 2 lounges fenced back yardlots of room and thoughtful touchesgreat place to stay very charming and the breakfast offerings were lovelyCleanliness:
a clean and tidy housewell furnished clean tidy placelovely clean home with lots of thoughtful touches and great communicationvery comfortable beds and sparkling cleanclean and tidy very roomy and warmHost:
very welcoming host and lovely home wth great spaceswe were very impressed with host : wendy’s hospitalitybeach 2minutesvery generous and helpful ownerwendy is great host and prepared all the things we needfantastic host too definitely worth stayingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to everythinga great location and a large placeexcellent location lovely breakfastloved the house and locationcomfortable great location and great breakfast
Well, what's keeping you?
With so many beautiful properties available in this sought-after destination, you’ll certainly not struggle to find the perfect home-from-home in this corner of New Zealand. You’ll be out exploring and spotting some of the impressive wildlife in next to no time.
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